January 27, 2020

3 Social Media Trends You May Have Missed

The new year brings about new sets of trends, none more so than in social media. The pace of the industry makes for constant changes and updates, usually for the better. Broadly, 2020 is going to reshape how we measure social success. We’ve seen a hint of that with Instagram’s global ‘like hiding’. TechCrunch suggests they’re still deciding the test’s outcome, with positive well-being vs. negative platform earnings at the core of the analysis. Read ahead for a quick, informative breakdown of the top 3 trends you may have missed.

Trend 3 – Advanced social advertising

Coming in as our third pick are advanced paid promotions. Brands are investing more, for a pretty good reason. Why? Well, these ads lead to more direct business due to us being more comfortable with social shopping as a whole. With cookies personalising our experiences, we’re digesting more relevant content with a greater tendency to hit the CTA. Therefore, as ad options are broadening, there’s more room for growth and acquisition as they’re more targeted.

Trend 2 – Micro-influencer investment

In at second is the growing influencer marketing trend. Influencer marketing used to be for celebrities and VIPs, although nowadays more brands are investing in the services of micro-influencers (2-50k followers). These micro-influencers are more likely to have higher levels of trust from their audiences, are more relatable and have great capacities to engage with fans. Such as our very own Co-Founder & Director Jake Cawthorne @thedebonair. He will vouch for the emphasis on this growing trend; feel free to glance at the account and see for yourself.

Trend 1 – Important performance metrics

Finally, our first pick. Amongst others, likes are a key indicator of content success. However, since the aforementioned testing on Instagram & Facebook, we’re seeing a shift in how best to measure post success. Comments will be crucial for social listening, figuring out what’s being said to see what’s working and what isn’t. Additionally, follower count, shares and views make important KPIs, with long-term engagement the ideal overall goal.

Stay tuned for the latest news, trends and updates by following us on Twitter and Instagram. Contact us here with any queries you may have.

December 30, 2019

Key Things to Consider When Strategising for 2020

We’re at the end of 2019 and what an eventful year it has been! Especially in social media’s realm, with hundreds of updates and changes to platform rules and regs. Although 2020 is right around the corner, there’s still time to revisit social media strategies to boost performance next year. With this in mind, we discuss notable predictions from social experts and thought leaders to gauge how best to move forward.

Granted, were basing our advice on the predictions we feel to be most likely. However, we’ll know more as the year starts to pan out, so stay tuned for blog updates on how best to revise marketing strategies. Anyhow, Emarketer suggests social media is currently used by 90.4% of Millennials, 77.5% of Gen X and 48.2% of Baby Boomers. Meaning your demographic is on social, but what current predictions might hint on how best to target them?

Our top 2020 predictions

The New York Times hints Facebook’s planning to integrate messaging functionalities on Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp. Enabling users to communicate between the apps, whilst integrating cross-posting via their Stories tools. This broadens the opportunities for marketers to connect quicker and easier with their audience.

Furthermore, Instagram look to maintain its current course with focus on user health and wellbeing via ‘like hiding’. This looks set in stone as an official feature for 2020. Coupled with a further shift towards monetisation, influencer marketing will continue to dominate in the new year. Businesses aught to improve their marketing spend on influencer marketing as it can be cheaper and more effective than running paid ads. So moving forward, marketers should look to work with multiple smaller influencers, as opposed to singular celebrities.

SocialMediaToday offers realistic views on AR, VR and their impact on socials’ future. AR filters like on Snapchat are gaining popularity, with digital overlays offering creative alternatives to standard content, upping user engagement. Alternatively, VR looks to be the future of social interaction, with Facebook already heavily investing in Oculus. It’s safe to say their’s plenty of potential to gear a marketing strategy towards these trends in 2020.

Happy New Year from the Momentum Social team. Contact us with any questions, we hope our insight kick-starts your 2020!

December 24, 2019

The Optimal Times for the Greatest Engagement

Social media is key for generating awareness. Brands and influencers alike can amplify their message by publishing content across desired platforms. This results in engagement, leading to brand development by relationship building. Followers will improve by adding value to content, backed with quality imagery or video. SproutSocial suggests social media is the most relevant channel for 50% of Gen Z and 42% of millennials. But to reach an audience, what’re the best times to post?

The perfect times to post

Sorry, but there isn’t a perfect time to post! Best posting times vary depending on time-zones, the platform, content type, audience and when they browse. However, there are ideal times which suit each platform better, depending on marketing goals set. Generally, Facebook and Twitter perform best in the morning, lunchtime and mid-evening. Whereas Instagram and LinkedIn do better during business hours, ideally 1-5pm. See below for platform specifics:

Facebook is the largest, most powerful platform with 78% of all UK internet users actively using it (Shareable). Although, recent algorithm changes emphasising ‘meaningful interactions’ limit exposure because it favours content from friends & family, not brands. This means timing is important. Time posts to go out later in the week, ideally Thurs or Fri between 1-7pm. Additionally, morning commute times and lunchtimes are good for engagement.

Twitter is for short and sweet messaging with a tricky algorithm. To beat it, post during lunchtime and evenings, so 12-2pm and 4-9pm, with Mondays and Thursdays being optimal for engagement. B2C does well on a weekend whilst B2B does better during business days.

LinkedIn is primarily for B2B content, so posting during business hours makes the most sense. Lunchtimes will deliver the best engagement, with 12pm-5pm midweek being optimal times to post. Weekend posts will generate minimal engagement.

Instagram’s the image led platform, suiting services such as personal training and hairdressing. With over 24M UK users, its popularity is quickly booming. Primary access is through smartphones, so busy activity times are weekday lunchtimes and late afternoons, so Mon-Thurs 12-6pm. Evening posts work well depending on the demographic, with them performing best on a weekend.

Making a content schedule

Broadly speaking, weekday posts at lunchtimes and evenings will perform best. To improve timeliness, look to schedule the content. Paid services like Loomly have been invaluable for some of our content plans, have a look. Experiment with timings to find the best slot for your product/service, you can find this information in the platform’s analytics. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions!

Follow our Twitter page for the latest news, updates and helpful tips. Contact us with any queries!

October 21, 2019

Scarily Strategic Halloween Engagement Tips

The spooky season fast approaches! A favourite time of year where we spend to scare across the Western world. As well as eating and drinking too much, with kids running riot on a surplus of sugar. Halloween is an opportunity brands can exploit via trendjacking. By publishing engaging content in-line with trending themes. Truth is, 51.5% of UK consumers spent on the occasion last year. With it right around the corner, we’re offering three strategic engagement tips so your brand can benefit. Don’t miss out!

1. Create a strong Halloween campaign

First of all, good engagement requires a solid holiday campaign approach. Use seasonal content that’s already performed well to start. Then, add a touch of personality to resonate with your audience by applying the theme to your product or service. For example, restaurants can decorate their dishes with Halloween items, then post a shot or video from the seasonal menu with #HalloweenDishes. Continue this tag in other content, such as a holiday competition to involve your consumers; totalling an effective campaign. See how we can further develop restaurants online!

2. Harness a unique opportunity

So you’ve got the pumpkin rolling and thought of some campaign ideas. What next? Well, Facebook IQ data from 2018 shows top word pairs over the occasion as ‘Happy Halloween’ and ‘Halloween Outfit’. It’s crucial for your posts text to include trending terms and #s, with any linked content search optimised. The one off post of your boss, or office pet in non-traditional costume might just be what the plague doctor ordered. Given costumes’ importance, and the surge of creativity social media whips up, why not take advantage?

3. Interact with the audience

Audience interaction is vital for deepening engagement. Create excitement by making them a part of creative content. For example, after posting the office pet in a silly costume, ask followers to reply and comment shots of their pets in silly costumes! This is a fun way to involve people in the conversation. If followers are having fun with your brand, the likelihood of product/service sales are higher.

Turn up the engagement factor this Halloween with Momentum Social.

September 22, 2019

Social media’s latest feature updates

Platform updates are fast and frequent, so it’s hard to keep track. In fact, Savvyaps suggests successful apps release 1-4 updates per month! This means noticeable changes to app UI’s, navigation and algorithms. A number of changes can be confusing, in what was a familiar setting. Therefore, we’ll get up to speed, rounding up the latest, noteworthy feature updates whilst highlighting their impact.

Facebook & Instagram

Facebook’s dating service finally arrives in the US, after international testing. It’s said to launch here in the UK early next year. We can assume access to new features. Including added Instagram integration, linking accounts to their profiles, letting users add followers to a ‘Secret Crush’ list. On the other hand, FB updates its News section, highlighting verified accounts to avoid fake stories. In addition, FB’s ad listing got a little easier. We can now boost Marketplace ads, similar to regular ads to show content to more users in the area. Furthermore, Instagram emphasise ‘Saves’ as the new quality metric. In a bid to overhaul ‘Likes’ as the primary metric. We will see Saves become the new indicator of trending content.

Twitter

We’ve all noticed Twitter’s big redesign. The July overhaul is well received! An upgraded experience that simplifies navigation. However, TW’s hit with some controversy recently after launching their ‘Hide Replies’ feature. Whilst testing commences in the US and Japan, it allows users to hide unworthy replies to their tweets. Although, the reply hides behind an extra click, not a perma-delete.

LinkedIn launches ‘Skills Assessments’, tests that let users develop their professional credibility via the platform. A significant milestone, giving users the tools needed to improve their recruitment and selection process. These short, multiple-choice questions verify users’ knowledge in key areas. A successful global launch proves the feature quite popular.

Here we’ve rounded up the latest platform updates, touching on noteworthy features whilst highlighting their impact. We’ll be back again with the latest rollouts once they drop, so that’s all for now.

Stay tuned for #MomentousMondays, catch the latest platform news and feature updates right here with Momentum Social.

August 26, 2019

Podcasts with Momentum Social

Reasons for starting podcasts

Two-way comms with audiences adds crucial brand value. Transparency and familiarity are key to building trust. New tech lets us build on this trust. Through consistent engagement and reliable content. Connection is vital. Connectivity through podcasting is growing in popularity. In fact, podcasts are booming in the UK. Ofcom suggests 6 million adults now tune in each week. Around 1 in 5 adults 15-24 tune in. So it’s no doubt podcasting should be a top strategic priority!

Podcasts are the current talking point. Where industry trends, news and hot topics are the focus. Discussions reveal key insights. These deliver valuable learning experiences. Building trust through connectivity. Therefore, we list the top 3 reasons to start:

Podcasts build trust and connectivity
Podcasts capture audiences’ attention
Podcasting positions brands as industry leaders

Strategic power of podcasts

Voice is a strong and emotive tool. Storytelling is key to engaging imagination. In addition to connections and relationships. Radio revolutionised this. Out with the old, in with the new; podcasts now champion storytelling on digital mediums. Why? Podcasts allow one-on-one time with audiences. Immersing listeners with stories. These form deep connections. Of which can be built on; giving value over time.

So how do we measure their success? Apple provide analytics features. Used to track listeners consumption and time spent per device. This gives a good idea of trends. Additionally, podcasters can make strategic choices from metrics. Better content decisions can be made going ahead. In terms of length, format, music etc.

#SocialSessions with Momentum Social

Tune in to our #SocialSessions via #MomentumPodcast every month. As we discuss hot topics in the social media sphere. We keep our finger firmly on the social pulse. So, stay tuned for guest appearances from notable, influential people in the industry. Look forward to reactive, engaging conversation on trending topics. Stay ahead of the curve with the biggest news, every month!

Stay ahead of the curve with Momentum Social. Tune in and listen to our #SocialSessions #podcast here.

he 5 P's of Social Media Marketing featured

July 27, 2019

The 5 P’s of Social Media Marketing

A detailed infographic

Below details the 5 P’s of social media marketing. Taking you back to basics; learn the starting point for social media strategy. The infographic outlines Plan, Produce, Post, Promote and Perform. The five key components for an effective social campaign. Planning well with clear objectives will ensure campaign success. Using these points, develop SMART social strategies that give your campaigns momentum ?

An infographic detailing the 5 P’s of social media marketing. Plan, Produce, Post, Promote, Perform, the basic starting point for social media strategy.

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